A Disney World vacation is often high on the list of dream destinations for Mom, Dad and the kids; solo travelers; multi-generational families and others. Travelers often plan and budget years in advance to make it happen. But not all Disney World-oriented travel options are focused on theme park rides, blazing Florida sun or capturing images of the kids with Disney characters. For some, the focus is on fitness.

Disney Princess races might bring thoughts of Cinderella trying to manage her fabulous ball gown in a starting line position, but really, these marathons are fantastic opportunities to enjoy the expansive parks while meeting new goals. Some events are serious runs that take focused preparation to compete in and are also planned years in advance. Right now, Disney Princess runners are preparing for the 2014 season, which includes races in six out of the 12 months.Disney’s Princess Half Marathon is a 13.1-mile magical course that makes for “a weekend of majestic runs in the most magical place on earth,” says the RunDisney website. That same weekend, kids get into the act with RunDisney Kids Races where every prince and princess is a winner and VIP Race Retreat packages pile on the royal treatment.

Disney’s Enchanted 10K is a new event that takes competitors through Epcot. The longest race Disney offers, the Glass Slipper Challenge, is a 19.3-mile adventure done over two days. That race combines the Princess Half Marathon with the Enchanted 10K. This event features Disney characters and entertainment on-course, and event weekend transportation is provided to and from all Disney World resorts.

Budget Travel Help From The Mouse
Once registered for one or more of the weekend’s events, travelers can use a Magic Your Way Package to enjoy the rest of their vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort that includes marathon events that are not available to book online.